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Our family law attorneys have helped hundreds of families get through difficult times. Don't take our word for it, read testimonials from our past clients to get an idea of how we can help your family get through this difficult time.

“Molly and her staff supported me completely through a drawn out divorce. My ex and his lawyer did everything they could to bleed me dry and drag the proceedings out. Molly is extremely compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her.”

Molly is rated AV - the highest possible rating- by her peers through the Martindale and Hubble rating process and has been recognized as a Superb Family Law attorney and Client's Choice 2012 by Avvo.com.

Molly has also been named by Seattle Met Magazine as one of Seattle's top family law attorneys.

Stacey Smythe has over 24 years of experience in representing Northwest clients in cases ranging from divorce (amicable and high-conflict), modifications, child custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence. Additionally I have experience to provide counsel in drafting Wills, Complete Estate Planning consultation and Probate Administration.

Monica Rands-Preuss is licensed both in California and Washington. She has been practicing family law since 1994. Monica has years of experience working with families in transition. She believes that since all families are unique, their solutions should be too.

Caucusing is a tool that many mediators use during the divorce mediation process. It is a time when the mediator and one of the other parties meets separately and confidentially to discuss a topic in order to move the mediation forward.

Types of Mediation Caucusing

Caucusing takes many forms. Pre-caucusing takes place before mediation begins so that a mediator can get a sense of both parties’ wants and needs, and so that both parties can speak openly with the mediator before the sessions begin. Shuttle caucusing occurs when the mediator goes back and forth between the two parties in a series of caucuses, perhaps because the parties are not ready to meet face to face. Requested caucusing—the most common type of caucusing—takes place when one party asks to speak to the mediator alone, before, during, or after a session.

Problems Caucusing Can Solve

Mediators utilize caucusing for a number of different reasons. In some cases, mediators choose to caucus in order to gain information or insight from one party that needs to be kept confidential. In other cases, the mediator may call a caucus to cool down both parties and relieve building tension. In still other cases, a mediator may offer negotiation advice. No matter the specific reason for calling a caucus, these private sessions exist in order to move the mediation process forward and toward settlement.

Problems Caucusing Can Cause

Some mediators avoid caucusing in most cases, while others do not use the tool at all. Why? Some believe that caucusing with one party can cause bias (or the perception of bias by the other party) in a situation when it is vital that the mediator is neutral. Others believe that caucusing goes against the central idea of mediation—openly communicating with the other party and coming to a settlement through processing and compromising.

Seattle Mediation Attorney Molly B. Kenny

A Seattle mediation lawyer can help explain caucusing to you further—and help you decide whether or not you wish to seek out a mediator who utilizes caucusing. To learn more about Washington divorce mediation and arbitration or to speak to an attorney about whether divorce mediation is right for your situation, call the Law Office of Molly B. Kenny today: 425-460-0550.

Molly B. Kenny's Bellevue family law office is conveniently located on Lake Bellevue Drive, making it easily accessible to those in the greater Seattle area. Our divorce and child custody lawyers help men and women get the information, guidance, and compassionate representation they need.